Latest news with #KarachiWater&SewerageCorporation
Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
'Ageing pipes caused KU deluge'
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) Engineer Asadullah Khan released a detailed video statement addressing the causes and repair measures related to the burst water lines at Siphon 19 near the University of Karachi. He explained that the water lines in the area are several decades old, with one installed in 1956 and the other in 1971 - making them 69 and 54 years old, respectively. Their designated lifespans have long since expired. He stated that Siphon 19, located near Karachi University, has two 84-inch diameter PRCC (Pre-stressed Reinforced Concrete Cylinder) pipelines, one of which is 16,000 feet (approximately five kilometres) long. Siphon 19 begins at Saadi Town and extends to University Road. The COO noted that the U-shaped pipelines at the siphon increase water pressure significantly. Water flowing through these U-shaped sections generates much more pressure compared to straight conduit lines. As a result, the old and weakened pipes are unable to withstand the added pressure, causing them to burst. He clarified that the pipelines running from Dhabeji to Karachi are straight conduits and do not experience this increased pressure, which is why they remain intact. He further shared that the damaged PRCC line at Siphon 19 is being replaced with a mild steel (MS) pipe. To ensure durability, four tons of molten lead, heated to 300°C, will be poured on both ends of the pipe. The process is called lead pouring. He expressed hope that the repair work would be completed by Saturday evening, after which the water supply was expected to return to normal. He apologised to citizens for the inconvenience. Left parched Meanwhile, experts claimed that repairs of the seven-foot wide pipeline, initially expected by Saturday, were now likely to continue until Sunday. They said that even if, by any chance, KWSC manages to complete the repair work by Sunday an additional three-day period would be required for normalization of the water supply to the city.
Express Tribune
13-02-2025
- Express Tribune
Sindh mandates physical fitness certificate for all heavy vehicles
Listen to article The Sindh government has imposed a ban on vehicles operating without "physical fitness certificates" to curb traffic accidents. on Karachi's roads, acording to an announcment made by Sindh's Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. Additionally, new revised timings for dumper trucks have been introduced following a surge in fatal accidents. Dumper trucks are now restricted to operating between 10pm and 6am, adjusted from the previous 11pm to 6am slot for public convenience. The transport department will issue fitness certificates with barcodes for registered vehicles, including water tankers operated by the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation. Heavy vehicles have 30 days to comply. Vehicles from other provinces must obtain a Sindh-issued fitness certificate. The excise department is addressing delays in issuing number plates and increasing motor vehicle inspectors. Memon warned that unregistered vehicles would be impounded, and showrooms selling them would be sealed. Imported vehicles for Sindh must be registered before sale. The CM instructed traffic and district police to enhance traffic management. Protests have surged over recent fatal accidents, prompting calls for stricter controls. Earlier, an anti-terrorism court has remanded 11 suspects, including Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) chairman Afaq Ahmed, into judicial custody on Wednesday. The accused were produced before the court in a bulletproof vehicle. The prosecutor argued that the accused had incited violence and arson, which spread fear among the public. He stated that Afaq Ahmed's instructions led to the burning of a tanker in Landhi, which caused widespread fear and disruption. Meanwhile, the defense argued that Afaq Ahmed's arrest did not fall under terrorism charges. Afaq Ahmed's lawyer, Javed Chattari, argued that the burning of the tanker was a result of public frustration with the government's failure to address their grievances. The prosecutor argued that the burning of the tanker had spread fear throughout the city, justifying the application of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) in the case. He stated that the accused had committed a serious offense, which warranted severe punishment. The investigation officer stated that the driver and conductor of the tanker were missing, and there were concerns for their safety. The court, however, rejected the remand request and sent Afaq Ahmed to jail instead. After the hearing, Afaq Ahmed spoke to the media, stating that he was being punished for raising his voice for the city. He alleged that the government was supporting the "dumper truck mafia" and that the Pakistan Peoples Party was fully exposed in this matter. The police of different police stations have registered cases against bus and dumper drivers for driving recklessly as a result three citizens including a woman lost their lives. The Mochko police have registered a case related to the accident in which a motorcyclist named Siddique was crushed by a dumper truck in Msharraf Colony on February 11. Following the accident the police arrested the dumper driver. Moreover, a case has been registered against the bus driver Munir involved in an accident in which a 24-year-old woman, Ayesha, wife of Faiqar Muhammad, riding a motorcycle, was crushed under the wheels of a bus on Hub River Road on February 10.
